JACK & JONES celebrates brotherhood with mural by Hamilton graffiti writer

JACK & JONES is celebrating their 30th anniversary and to recognize the milestone, the retailer is partnering with Movember for the 2020 campaign hoping to give back to the bros who have helped them get to where they are today. They will be accepting donations in-store and online all month with a goal to raise CA$30,000 during the month of Movember, representing 30 years of brotherhood.

Thanks to the support of LNDMRK, JACK & JONES and Movember were able to collaborate with Hamilton graffiti writer and cancer survivor Scott McDonald on a mural project, bringing to life the concept of brotherhood in a one-of-a-kind visual display in Toronto’s trendy Queen West neighborhood. 

A cancer survivor himself, Scott McDonald started out as the first graffiti writer in Hamilton and carved a ‘path to paint’ in countries across North America and Europe. With deep involvement in the graffiti and skateboard communities, he knows firsthand the impact art and sport can have helping keep a positive mental state.

With this notion in mind, over the last decade Scott has generously given back, having donated 100s of skateboards to communities across the globe, while also supporting skatepark building projects in Cuba with an aim of building local acceptance of the sport. We connected with Scott about his diagnosis and journey with throat cancer, and how keeping connected to his art and the skate community has helped him cope.

Has street art played a role in your cancer journey? If so, how?

It’s helped to give me focus and stay present. I was diagnosed with PTSD from the whole experience - chemo, radiation and almost losing my jaw to osteoradionecrosis - and it’s been a useful tool that helps keep me out of some of those dark places.

There’s still stigma for a lot of men about going to the doctor and speaking out about their health. Unfortunately, many men see openness it as a “weakness”. What’s the most important message you want people to know?

Get checked! When I first noticed the lumps I was terrified and knew that it wasn’t just a cold or swollen lymph nodes. I was lucky enough to catch it when I did and was very open with the whole process on social media to help inspire others to get checked as well. There’s no shame in getting checked out. 

Do you have any advice for those at risk, or for others fighting cancer?

If you’re at risk? stay healthy, stay active, and drop any vices that could put you in further risk. Not only is it preventative maintenance, but it also puts you in a better position to recover from all the negative effects of treatment. If you’re fighting it? Stay strong, stay positive, and don’t be afraid to reach out for help and rely on your support network. I know it feels like getting hit by a train in slow motion but keep your eye on the prize. 

Check out the mural at Ruby Soho on King St. W and Portland St. in Toronto until the end of December. 

To donate, shop, or learn more about the brotherhood bonded by denim, check out JACK & JONES.